How results are looking in Louth after the first day of counting
As always, transfers will prove crucial tomorrow
As we finish up on count nine here in Coláiste Chú Chulainn ten of the twenty four candidates have been eliminated.
Sinn Fein have maintained their strong position with Ruairi O’Murchu TD and Councillor Joanna Byrne remaining on top with 8,768 and 8,234 votes respectively.
Incumbent Labour TD Ged Nash also looks in a comfortable position in 3rd with 7,666 votes.
Vying for the remaining two seats Senator Erin McGreehan of Fianna Fail (5,785), her running mate Alison Comyn (4,936) and Fine Gael councillor Paula Butterly (5,666) are separated by just over 800 votes.
Senator John McGahon of Fine Gael has had a disappointing showing so far with 4,037 votes, while Councillor Antoin Watters of Sinn Fein and Independent Councillor Kevin Callan sit on 3,801 and 3,339 respectively.
As always, transfers will prove crucial tomorrow but it may take some time to get going as the smaller transfers of minor candidates are distributed.